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ADVANTAGES OP MODERATION. 



SERMON, 



DELIVERED AT PELHAM, N. H. AUGUST 20, 1812 ; 
A DAY OF 

NATIONAL HUMILIATION, 

2fEC0MMEJ\rDED BY THE PRESIDE JVT, AT THE REQUEST 

OF THE 

TWO HOUSES OF CONGRESS, 

AFTER HAVING 

DECLARED WJR dGMJK'ST GREJIT BRITAIN. 



BY JOHN HUBBARD CHURCH. 



HAVERHILL, MASS. 
PRINTEB^AJ^^D SOLD BT W. B, AiKD K G. ALLEM 

1812. 



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SERMON. 

PHILIP IV, 5. 

LET FOUR MODERATIOJ^' BE K.VOJFJST UJ\'TO ALL MEX. 

3l he gospel breathes a benevolent, pacific spirit. It 
proclaims feaceon earth, good will to men. Let its spirit be im- 
bibed, and its precepts be obeyed, universally; then strife and con- 
tention, war and bloodshed would cease. Man would no longer 
be foe to man; nor be employed in spreading distress, and misery, 
and death among his fellow creatures. But the law of love would 
rule in every heart; the law of kindness be on every tongue; to 
save, not to destroy men, would be the grand pursuit. All would 
comply with the golden rule — Wjaitever ye tvonld that men 
should do to you, do ye even so to them. Prosperity and peace 
would every where abound. We should have new heavens and a 
new earth. 

But, alas! what different scenes do we beliold.^ What a sin- 
ful, wretched place is this earth? Among those, who are most 
highly favored with blessings audpriviIeges,temporal and spiritual, 
is seen most awful wickedness; so that the language of the Proph- 
et is very natural and pertinent: " Oh tliat my head were waters, 
and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night 
for the slain of tlie daughter of my people! Oh that I had in the 
wilderness a lodging place of way-taring men, that I might leave 
my people, and go from them! for they be all adulterers, an as- 
sembly of treacherous men. And they bend their tongues like 
their bow for lies; but they are not valiant for the truth upon the 
earth: for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not 
me, saith the Lord." Thus did .Jeremiah lament his situation a- 
mong the people of Judah, in time of great declension and calam- 
ity. O that no others had reason to adopt, in any measure, his 
language. 

In a day like the present, every thoughtful mind must be anx- 
ious to know the path of duty. What shall be done to enjoy th» 



blessings of peace and prosperitt/? must be a general and very in- 
teresting inquiry. But this inquiry must be made soberly, and 
not in the heat of passion. It should be made in that manner, 
vhich God will approve — in that manner, Avhieh our own conscien- 
ces will approve, when the present scenes are passed away, and 
we are called to give account of our whole conduct to the allseeing 
and righteous Judge. » 

'ihere is no want of instruction in the word of God. Its wiso 
and salutary directions abundantly meet the eye, as we turn over 
the sacred pages. There can be no difficulty in finding directions: 
the great difficulty lies in applying, and in following them. 

Let your moderation be known unto all men. This inspired 
precept is applicable and binding, in a multitude of cases. — The 
moderation here enjoined, stands opposed to whatever is unreason- 
able and excessive, in the indulgence of our passions, oriu the pur- 
suit of any worldly object. This moderation is the opposite of 
that warmth and engagedness, which bothScripture and sound rea- 
son condemn. It is nearly allied to that vteek and quiet spirit, which 
is in the sight of God of great price. 

But this moderation is not insensibility. It is not the off- 
spring of ignorance and stupidity; but of knowledge and discern- 
ment. It is cherished and strenghtened by calm reasoning. The 
truly moderate man makes carefiil inquiry; he compares one thing 
Avith another; he takes p;iins to ascertain the trutlu and to separate 
itlrom the falsehood and misrepresentation, with which if may bo 
mixed by evil and designing men. He has that wisdom, which 
is from above, which is without partiality and without hypoc- 
risy, and is profitable to direct. 

Ncr is this moderatiou iudifterence. A man may be truly 
moderate, and yet be zealously aflected in every good cause. Both 
moderation and zeal are required: and one is perfectly consistent 
with tlie Other, We may let our moderation be known to all men, 
and yet contend earnestly for the truth and for undoubted rights. 
Taujely to renounce or sacrifice the truth or our rights, is not 
mods-rat i<in — it is the basest meanness. In contending for tlie 
Irutli, and raaiutainiug our riglits, moderation is manifested m 



suppressing all undue warmth of temper or passion. It consists 
in having rule over our spirits; so that while we are zealous, we 
shall not be inflamed with passion; nor be thrown into a rage, nor 
act under the influence of violent prejudices. In true moderation/ 
zeal is tempered with mildness and gentleness; the truth is spo- 
ken in love; by a good conversation, a man sho^vs his works with 
meekness of wisdom. He forbears threatening and railing, and 
all virulent and unbecoming language. He will express himself 
M ith decision and firmness; and exercise himself to have always 
a good conscience, void of offence both towards God, and towards 
men. No guile, nor envy, nor malice will he allow in his heart. 
He will study to be always under the influence of that love which 
siiffereth long and is kind; which envieth not; which vaunteth not 
itself; isnot jniffed up, doth not behctve itself unseemly, seekeihnot 
her own, is not easily provoked, vhinketh no evil. 

This moderation should appear in ail our conduct, that it may 
he known unto ail men. Under the influence of this mild, gen-» 
tie, benevolent, yet firm and decided spirit, we should always act. 
We should never be influenced by passion and prejudice; but be 
always guided by impartial reason and the oracles of divine truths 
All should be able to see from our conduct, that the word of Goil 
is a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our paths; that under its 
beuign and heavenly influence, not with fleshly wisdom, but by 
the grace Qf God, we have our conversation in the world. 

Such moderation as this is peculiarly excellent. Its price is 
far above rubies. It is of great use. Its advantages are man- 
ifold, — Some of these, I will attempt to set before you. 

1. It is a state of mind, which is peculiarly favorable to ser-; 
ious consideration. It is with calmness and composure of uiiud, 
that persons can best attend to the contemplation of importaui 
subjects. Let persons be filled with prejudice, or heated wiih 
passion, and liow can they exercise serious consideration? What 
influence can tiutJi, or reason, or Scripture ihen liave upon llicir 
minds? How deaf they will becoiiie to the best lessons of inst rue-, 
tion? liistead of duly considering present events, making just re- 
Seetions, and leaniiu'^ their duty, they will be strongly int'lincdtrt 



press forward, as their passions shall dictate, regardless of conse- 
quences. If they may gratify tlieir passions, they fondly think 
thai all is well. If they may have things according to their own 
|nind, they are satisfied, without considering what may be the fi- 
nal result. 

But moderation will prescribe a very different course. Under 
its influence, persons will be considerate, and make careful inquiry 
respecting the probable consequences of events. They will con- 
sider, deliberately, what ought, in truth and equity, to be done? 
what things ought to be avoided, and v^hat measures ought to be 
pursued; what is to be approved, and what condemned. 

How important is this moderation at the present period, when 
so much is said and done to inflame the passions? It wouldbe strange 
indeed, if some of all parties should not at such a time, say and 
do things, which they themselves would condemn in the hour of 
calm reflection. No man is infallible — no man is perfect. No 
body of men are without their faults: although some are more 
criminal than others. When all are liable to err, either on the 
right hand or on the left, how necessary is a spirit of moderation? 
How necessary that we should divest ourselves of passion and prej- 
udice, and seriously consider the state of our nation, both in a mor- 
al and political liglit: that we should inquire why wc- have been 
brought into this calamitous and distressing state: what are the 
sins, which have provoked God to visit us with such tokens of his 
displeasure: how divisions have taken place, and so long continu- 
ed among rulers and people: how the things of our peace appear 
to be hidden from so many: and MJiy we have been plunged, by tlie 
late act of our rulers, into the calamities and distresses of m ar? 
AVhat subjects, more momentous and more interesting, can claim 
our serious consideration? But how can we consider them, as we 
ought, without a spirit of moderation? How vain will be our at- 
tempts to consider these things a right, if we yield ourselves to the 
control of prejudice and passion? Brethren, passion and prejudice 
mnst be laid aside. Mere party views and feelings, we should 
renounce.: and endeavor to examine witliout partiality, and to view 
and see things as they really are. We should be willing that 



blame sljoiiW fall, Avhcreever it is actually due. We should wil- 
lingly see and confess our own faults, and also the faults of our 
favorite characters. In such conduct, there is something manly 
and christian. Such conduct our consciences will always ap- 
prove; and we shall find it highly beneficial. 

2. This moderation will prepare the mind for humilialion and 
submission to the divine will, in time of calamity. For under 
its influence, we shall ascribe our calamities to the proper cause. 
We shall see both the appointment of Heaven and the iustrumen- 
tality of men. ^^'hile we feel that the Lord is righteous in bring- 
ing evil upon a sinful people, we shall also feel that the wicked 
are Jiis sivord, and that the sins, whicli we and others have commit- 
ted, have procured all the evils which we fear or actually sufi'er. 
Hence it becomes us to be humble before God. We have sinned 
against him. We deserve far greater evils than are yet laid upon 
us. " Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the pim- 
ishmeut of his sias.^" Shall we murmur and unreasonably complain, 
because we are visited with evils, which we deserve for our iniqui- 
ties.^ Surely we shall not, if we rightly view the subject and ex- 
ercise a right temper. Let us view things as we ought, and feel 
as we ought, and all unreasonable complaints will be at an cud. 
God does us no w-rong; he is just and good. If he suffers men to 
do wrong, and so involve us in trouble and distress, still, he is 
righteous. To him we should constantly iiscribe righteousness; 
and peuetently acknowledge our own guilt. For our sins, let us 
deeply humble ourselves before him: let us bow in submissi(*n io 
his sovereign will; let us remember that he is Judge, that he set- 
teth up one and putteth down another, and will render to all, 
whether high or low, just or unjust, according to their deeds. If 
we suffer through the fault or wickedness of others, let us not, as 
individuals, render evil for evil; but let us look to God to avenge 
us of our adversaries. To him let us commit our cause; aud be 
patient and resigned under all our sufferings. This temper of 
mind, my Brethren, is approved both by reason and Scripture. 
Let it abound in us, aud our light aiHictions will work for us far 
greater good. 



8 

But we shall he verj far fruiii this temper, if we indulge warmth 
of passion, and suffer our views of things to he partial and incor- 
rect. We shall then hlame the innocent, and excuse the guilty: 
we shall fret, and nuuniur, and repine. Instead of repenting of 
our sins, and committing our cause to God, we shall greatly add 
to our transgressions, and do mnch tohringdown still heavier judg- 
ments on ourselves and others. For how provoking it must be to 
God, for those who are chastised for their sins, to he as a bullock 
unaccustomed lo the yoke; to rave and rend, to fret and murmur, 
as if they could strive, successfully, with the Lord God Almighty. 
How awfnl is such a temper, and such conduct ! It should be dread- 
ed and shunned, as most hateful and destructive. 

3. It is in the exercise of moderation, that we shall he most 
likely to have grievances redressed and evils removed. 

Although we are required to be submissive under the evils, 
which befall us; yet this by no means implies that we should do 
nothing to remove them. We should he submissive in time of 
sickness; and yet no one will say, that ' we should do nothing for 
the recovery of health:' or that ' God sends sickness, and that he 
will remove it, without our aid or efforts.' No: God has made it 
©ur duly to take suitable measures for the removal of sickness; 
and at the same time to he submissive to his will. If we neglect 
to take such measures, we must be answerable for all the conse- 
quences of our neglect. It is likewise our duty to adopt proper 
methods for the removal of any other evil, which we suffer. AVhile 
we submissively adore the hand of God in the judgments which 
he executes; we should pray and exert ourselves to regain his fa- 
vor, and have our sufferings removed. This will apply to the 
various evils of the present life, whether brought upon us by our 
•wn misconduct, or the misconduct of others. 

Every one, unless he believes in the popish doctrine of infalli- 
bility, must adniit that Rulers may do wrong. Who can suppose 
that rulers are infallible and perfect.? Surely no candid and judi- 
cious man will suppose such a thing: hut he will readily admit 
that rulers are men of like passions with others. Now if rulerg 
io wrong; if they adopt impolitic and ruinous measures; our Re- 



9 

pubiicail Constitutions of government reserve to us the privilege 
of electing others to fill their places. By having a change of 
men, we may have a change of measures. In this way, we may 
lawfully obtain a redress of grievances. This mode has been 
practised in these states: it has also been practised in England. 

Now, is not moderation favorable to such a change, whenever 
it is necessary.^ For this moderation renders the mind calm and 
considerate. Under its influence, persons will reflect with candor; 
they will impartially attend to men and measures; they will, with 
cool deliberation, form their judgment; and they will have reasons 
ivhich are solid and weighty, to give for their conduct. 

But let men lay aside moderation; and it must be expected that 
their conduct will be the reverse of all this. For then, they 
will not inquire and reflect with candor, nor attend to (he charac- 
ter and conduct of men, with a spirit of impartiality. Instead of 
being deliberate in forming their opinion, they will be influenced 
by prejudice and passion, or put themselves under the direction 
of others, to think and act, as they shall dictate. In this case, 
what change for the better, could be expected.^ How necessary 
then that men should be candid, and open to conviction; that they 
should lay aside all those partial views and passionate feelings 
which are the opposite of moderation; and, with cool and very 
serious reflection, inquire if some different measures be not abso- 
lutely necessary. I firmly believe that if this method were gene- 
rally adopted, many evils would be removed. But if this method 
be neglected, we must expect that they will press upon us more 
and more heavily. For God expects that, in the time of trouble 
and calamity, we will consider and adopt suitable measures to en- 
joy peace and prosperity. And therefore our neglect may justly 
be followed by a continuance of his frowns. 

It is not uncommon for a good cause to suffer for the want of 
moderation in those who conduct it. They are zealously affect- 
ed; but their zeal is not, in all respects, according to knowledge. 
They need more prudence and sound judgment, and more of the 
meekness of wisdom. Passionate warmth, in those who advocate 
Jk good cause, may do much to defeat their object. To gain their 

B 



10 

poiat, they should be cool anil deliberate, candid and just. Such 
a manner \>iU he conciliatina and very influential. It will great- 
ly tend to convince opponents, and gain their esteem. 

4r. This moderation will prevent much strife and contention. 
Why is there so macli strife, and so much contention at tlie 
present day? Is it not greaily owing to tbe unruly, Hugoverned 
passions of men.^ How many have no rule over their own spirits? 
Bni tiiey appear to be as lords, and as having full right to feel, 
to talk, and to conduct, as they please, without any control. 
They cannot entUue contradiction, nor even a mild remonstrance 
or inquiry as to the correctness of tiieir opinions or assertions. 
But whatever of this kind is said, tends still more to inflame their 
passions and increase their rage. A mere trifle sometimes brings 
on a dreadful scene of sti ife and contention. Behold^ how great a 
matter, a litlefire kindlefh! 

Another source of this dreadful evil, is the use of disgraceful 
names or epithets. How many will heap names of reproach and 
contempt on those, who barely differ from them in opinion? This 
practice has appeared to increase of lute: and many seem to jus- 
tify it, by the late declaration of war. Because Government have 
declared war, some appear to think themselves authorized to ca- 
lumniate and disgrace all, who do not agree with Ihem in opinion, 
by calling them tories or something else as reproachful. 

But all this would be greatly, if not wholly prevented by 
moderation. For it would lead us to treat others kindly and re- 
spectfully, notwithstanding they may differ from us in opinion. 
They have the same right to think and judge for themselves, 
that we have. Thty have as good right to enjoy their opinions 
as we have to enjoy ours, l-et us do to others, as we would w ish 
them to do to us. and we shall treat them kindly and respectfully, 
notwithstanding tlieir difi'erence of opinion. Even genuine Re- 
public luism requiixs this of us. For it is an essential principle 
of Republicanism that every one has freedom of thought, and free- 
dom of speech; so that he may think and judge for himself, an4 
express his opinion. And surely we ought not to reproach and 
abuse persoijs, for their sober exercise of this freedom. This 



11 

would greatly increase the evils of the prc.^icnt day. It would add 
fresh fuel to the fire of coiHeniioii. (Jan tliis he a way to concil- 
iate men wlio differ in sentiment? Can it tend to terminate party 
spirit, and discord, and variance?^ Certainly not: hut it will pow- 
erfully tend to iucrpase these deadly banes of society. A very 
different course must he pursued in older to restore union and 
harmony to the people of these States. We must treat one anoth- 
er' with candor and becoming respect. We must feel that, we are 
hretiiren, members of the sanie human family, and of the same 
civil community; and that we have similar rights and privileges. 
Hence no one should consider another as an enemy or traitor to 
his country, until he lias been tried and convicted by the laws of 
the land, or there appears clear evidence against him. Nor should 
any one be deprived of his riglit an^^ privilege, merely because hf 
cannot coincide with us in opinion. 

5. This moderatifdpfl will have much influence in preserving 
men from error and infatuation. On this account, it is peculiar- 
ly needful in a day like the present. So various and contradictory 
are aceonnts and representations, which are published in Papers, 
tliat numbers seem to think that it is not worth m hiie to pay atten- 
tion to any of them. But this.l coneeive.is a v/rong conclusion. For 
in such a state of things, there is more nee<l of paying strict ai- 
t-3ntion and making careful iiu|uiry in order to ascertain what is 
true and whati>i false. When accounts are various and contra- 
dictory; when some positively assert, and others as positively deny 
things, it is evident tiiat there must be error, if not infatuation, 
somevvhere. Eliher those v.ho assert, or those wlio deny the same 
thing, must have embraced a falsehood: and it deeply concerns 
both to know where the falsehood lies. For to assert tlsat which 
is false, or to deny that which is true, and to persist in doing it, 
must be highly criminal, and especially when the means of cor- 
rect information are at hand: and it must be very injurious to him 
that does it, and toothers. It must tend to the ruin of the coun- 
try. A republican government is peculiarly dependent on the dis- 
semination of truth. It cannot long be maintained, unless thi» 
people at large have correct i' nation. Let falsehood and mi?- 



12 

representation aboiinil; and such a government will be undermined 
and greatly weakened, if not wholly subverted. And hence while 
the freedom of the press is iuvoilably preserved; for without it, 
civil liberty cannot long be enjoyed; it should, as far as possible, 
be so regulated by law, that what is notoriously or evidently false, 
should not be published, with a malicious, apparent, design of de- 
faming character.^. 

But how sball men, at this day especially, ascertain what 1b 
true, and what is false, unless they make candid and diligent in- 
quiry. To say that whatever one man or one printer asserts is 
true and just, because it comes from him, must be very far from a 
correct way of proceeding: and it must be equally so, to say that 
we will uot believe what comes from a man of different political 
sentiments. In such a way of proceeding, there would be no mod- 
eration, nor any tendency to avoid error and infatuation. But in 
this way, a man would receive as entirely true whatever his fa- 
vorite partisan or printer should saj is true, however false it may 
be: and on the other hand,he would reject as false that which is true, 
because such a person says it is false. Can this, my Brethren, be 
a safe way of proceeding, v. hen so mucli is depending on your 
being correctly informed? Is it not easy for designing men in 
this way to impose upon you; and to fiatter and deceive yoUjuntil you 
are brought into a state of oppression and wretchedness? In a sinn- 
ilar way, many have been enslaved and ruijied. How necessary then 
to examine, with eajidor and fairness, and see for yourselves, what 
is true, and what is false of passing reports. In this examina- 
tion, the moderation of tbe gospel will be of great advantage to 
you. Under its influence, yoa will examine without prejudice, or 
unreasonable prepossessions: you will be desirous and willing to 
know the truth, and the whole truth, whether it be for, or against, 
certain favorite characters. You will proceed cautiou.jly and de- 
liberately in forming a conclusion, and be willing to receive light 
and information froai any quarter. lu such a course of iuquiry.yon 
will be far more likely to distinguish truth from falsehond, than if 
you give way to prejudice and passion and think no person can be 
ri^ht, unless he is of your party. If you read with a fjxed deter- 



13 

minatiou that you will not believe what you read, or that you will 
believe no more than what agrees with your present opinions or 
prejudices, how can you expect to know the truth, or be kept from 
error and infatuation? For where would be your candor, your o- 
penness to conviction? Where would be your moderation? Have 
you adopted opinions, which will not bear calm and impartial ex- 
amination? Are you afraid of the light of truth, of facts, and of 
sound arguments? 

6. In the exercise of moderation, we shall allow to every one 
the right of examining the measures of those, who administer our 
civil government. 

This right is enjoyed by every subject of Great-Britain. It was 
freely exercised both in Parliment, and abroad, in the time of our 
revolutionary war. Many in England warmly protested against 
the war, which the Administration then prosecuted against this 
•ountry. The same right is still enjoyed by the people of that 
nation. Every one may inquire into the measures of their Ru- 
lers, and express his approbation or disapprobation. This liberty 
is fully enjoyed under that Monarchy, or that monarchical form, 
of government. 

We haye surely as much liberty under our Republican Con- 
stitutions. The national Constitution declares, « Congress shall 
make no law, abridging the freedom of speech or of the press. 
The Constitution of Pennsylvania declares, « The printing presses, 
shall be free to every person, who undertakes to examine the pro- 
ceedings of the Legislature, or any branch of government. Tlie 
free communication of thoughts and opinions, is one of the invalua- 
ble rights of man." The Constitution of Delaware declares, 
** The nress sliall be free to every citizen, who undertakes to ex- 
amine the official conduct of men acting in a public capacity." 
The Constitution of Maryland declares, (the late attempts of mobs 
to destroy the freedom of the press, notwithstanding) " The liber- 
ty of the press ought to be inviolably preserved." — Similar senti- 
ments are recognized in the Constitution of this State, andof^other 
States in the union. Hence every man has the undoubted, consti- 
tutional right to examine the official conduct of those, who act in a 
jpublic capacity. Sucli men arc the representalives,. the servants 



f 



14 

^fthe people. The people elect them,aml delegate to them their po;v 
pr in theConstitutioii.which they have adopted: ami they liavearighl 
to know how this power has been used. In the exercise of that 
moderation, which the Scriptures enjoin, no one will abuse this- 
right himself, or deny it to others. But he will be willing that pro- 
per examination should be made into the conduct of rulers. It 
would be woful indeed if their conduct would not bear such exam- 
ination. An upright man and his friends are always willing thai 
his conduct should be thoroughly examined; and especially when 
any suspicions of his integrity are entertained. — We may impar- 
tially examine the conduct of Rulers, and yet be subject iwto the 
higher powers, and render honor to whom honor is due. No vir- 
ulence of temper should be indulged; no abusive, indecent language ] 
should be used; and nothing should be asserted as matter of fact, j 
which cannot be supported by satisfactory proof. With these lim- 1 
jtations, every one has a constitutional right to examine, to reason, 
to judge and to declare his opinions freely. And to deprive him 
©f this right is despotism — it is tyranny. Who would wish to 
five under an arbitrary, despotic government, where he durst not 
open his mouth, lest he should lose his life.^ 

7. True moderation will tend to produce union of sentiment. 

With regard to the war, vliich has recently been declared a-| 

gainst Great Britain, every one has, or may have ample means [ 

of determining whether it he just, necessary and expedier.t. l>ei 

persons lay aside prejudice and passion; and candidly and delib ] 

crately read and consider the reasons offered by the Presiden , 

and the Committee of Congress, in favor of the war; and the rea 

sons given in the Address of Members of Congress, in oppositioi 

10 the war; and how can they disagree so widely on this p'ri ;. 

and important subject.^ There are also various other sources of in 

formation, relative to this matter. We cannot want the means t 

information, if we are willing to i^se them, and to know the tr»(l 

Correct knowledge may be obtained by proper attention. L 

men be candid, open and ingenuous: and use the means withi 

their reach, and the present baneful division of sentiment will i 

ft great measure cease. Let men be candid, and impartial, an 



im 



15 

tike faithful inquiry, and how can they remain so divided in u- 
inion respecting the nature and probable consequences of the 
resent war, which we have commenced? It is the express duty 
r republicans, or of every one under a republican government, to 
lake such inquiry, respecting so weighty and interesting a sub- 
let, as an open declaration of war against another nation. Our 
ights and interests are deeply involved in this measure. For all 
ur conduct in this business, we must be answerable to an impar- 
al Judge. By the laws of God, we shall be finally judged. No 
aws or decisions of men will then justify any one in doing that 
Yhith is wrong in the sight of God. Passion and prejudice; false- 
ood and injustice, he will pointedly condemn. He will render 
every one righteous judgmenL 

Dear Brethren and Friends; let your moderation be known un- 
a all Hien. Let alt bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, 
nd evil speaJcing be fut away from yeu, with all malice. Imbibe 
he temper, and obey the precepts of the gospel: Cherish a spirit 
f free and candid inquiry; that you may be enlightened, well in- 
armed and virtuous patriots. Then you will adopt aud pursue 

he best measure to enjoy your dear bought rights and privileges, 
nd to transmit them unimpared, to your children, and chil- 
Iren's children. But let passion control your reason and judg- 
tieut; shut your eyes against the light; and your ears against 
he truth; form your opinions by looking on one side only; 
.nd be more influenced by the fair professions than the real con- 
luct of men; and how can you expect to enjoy the blessings and 
)rivileges of a republican government; unless we fear God, and 
iractise righteousness; seek the truth,and duly maintain our rights 
ve must expect to groan under oppression and tyranny. With the 
inn and ingenuous spirit of freemen and christians, let us lead 
ndet and peaceable lives in all godliness and Iwnesty: and then we 
lUay hope for the blessing of Almighty God, through the Great 
Redeemer. Ambn. 



146 













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